Barnes campaigns for governor in Rice Lake, focuses on data centers, slams GOP

Mandela Barnes, a Democratic candidate for governor, made a campaign stop in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, addressing approximately 50 Democrats at the Barron County Democratic Party headquarters. During his speech, Barnes highlighted several issues, with data center development being a prominent concern raised by audience members and consistently encountered during his campaign. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive framework to regulate data centers, specifically to prevent increased energy costs for residents and the degradation of water quality. Barnes vehemently criticized the current allowance for data centers to operate with secrecy, using nondisclosure agreements, and to build projects despite public opposition, leading to what he described as absurd increases in electricity rates. He also linked data centers to broader societal issues, portraying them as a "physical manifestation" of mental health crises and political polarization. Barnes, who previously served as Lt. Gov. under Tony Evers, is seeking to win the Democratic primary to challenge likely GOP candidate Tom Tiffany. His campaign speech also touched on healthcare accessibility and included attacks on President Donald Trump and Congressman Tiffany.